Fitted a new front tyre so now have the choice of either of the above on the rear.
The Nobby certainly looks like more of a rear tyre.
Which should I fit?
At the minute NN. Keep the XR4 for a wet winter.
I run XR4s all year on two bikes. I also have a set in 2.8" ready for the B+ for when the Nobby Nics wear out.
I think your terrain is gnarlier than mine! Not sure where zippykona lives and rides.
Riding Surrey Hills.
Not ridden Surrey hills but based on a few riders in the western South Downs I would prefer the NN at this time of year although as Scotroutes says the XR4 is capable in a variety of conditions.
If you can get by without puncturing the Nic then it's a pretty decent tyre.
Which size, casing and rubber compound Nobby Nic?
Assuming it is snakeskin, it's a bit tougher than the XR4 and faster rolling than the XR4, so depending on what else you have, it would make more sense to put the Nic on back.
If you want to use (up) the XR4 at some point, I would put it on the back in winter, combined with a tire insert, or put it on front for summer hardpack/rock terrain.
XR4 are great can be bit iffy in very dry conditions on the front but great on the back came into good use today in the Forest Of Dean with plenty of mud around and puddles.
FWIW I can't be bothered changing tyres according to the weather/conditions so what goes on, stays on 🙂
I agree with that. I have settled on Ardent 2.4F and 2.25R on one bike and 2.4F Trail King and 2.4R Ardent on the other
Nic on the rear. Well it's rubbish on the front, but fine on the rear. Xr4 is decent on the front or rear . Depends what your front is really.
using xr4 team issue front and rear. love 'em. perfect balance for me of grip, weight, roll and feel. added bonus of being the easiest to fit tubeless tyres I've had. I hope they do o.k in mud so I can just leave them on all year. We'll see.
@kula72 - the XR4 is fine in mud but Bonty do a mud specific tyre, used to be called the "mud" but is now called XR5. I've used XR4 front/XR3 rear in the alps with no problem.
@whitestone that's good news. The bike feels just right now. I don't want to change anything on it unless it breaks.
